Malaysia has paused the import of live cattle and buffalo from Australia after neighbouring Indonesia earlier decided to halt imports from four Australian facilities over concerns about lumpy skin disease (LSD) last month.
Australia Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Mark Schipp confirmed the Malaysian move in response to fears of the highly infectious viral disease.
In a statement released yesterday, he said the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has been advised that Malaysia has temporarily suspended live cattle and buffalo exports from Australia.
“We understand this decision was based on Indonesia’s advice that it will not accept cattle from four specific export establishments following detection of LSD in exported Australian cattle after they had arrived and spent time in Indonesia,” he said.
“As Australia’s chief veterinary officer, I can confirm that lumpy skin disease, or LSD, has never been detected in Australia, and Australia remains free from the disease.”
LSD is a highly infectious viral disease of cattle and buffalo that is transmitted by biting insects — it is not a disease that poses a risk to humans.
Source by: The Malaysian Reserve